Classics Circuit – North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

December 9, 2009

I admit it. I haven’t finished this book. I blame it on the holiday bustle and pregnancy. Still, I am a good way through North and South, and I am enjoying it much more than I expected to. Some of my old book club friends claimed to like it as much as or more than Pride and Prejudice! I don’t think I’m quite in that camp yet, but it is very entertaining and easy to read. I think you should read it.

Here’s a plot summary, courtesy of my Penguin Popular Classics edition:

Margaret Hale and her parents travel to Darkshire in the North where they meet proud factory owner John Thornton. Thornton hopes to become a ‘gentleman’ and win Margaret’s hand, but each must first cross gulfs of poverty and wealth, North and South.

That little teaser hardly does the book justice. There are so many themes here of prejudice and class and wealth and occupation and plain old romance. I’d recommend this one, even without finishing. Watch for my review soon.

Tagged as: Classics Circuit

{ 10 comments }

1 Nicole December 9, 2009 at 4:14 pm: I think that I might have this on audio. I wold love to read it soon, but I am going to be reading The Grapes of Wrath in January so it might have to wait awhile.
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2 Michele December 9, 2009 at 11:01 pm: For what it’s worth…..I’m going to be reading like a mad woman to finish my Gaskell choice, LOL. And pregnancy excuses you for lots and lots of things, use it while you can!!!! :)
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3 Jodie December 10, 2009 at 3:06 am: I really want to read this one because I hear it’s all about factories and the bad working conditions.
4 Stephanie December 10, 2009 at 7:16 am: I am glad you are enjoying this one so far. I really want to read it!
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5 Momof5boys December 10, 2009 at 11:33 am: The movie is FABULOUS. I need to read the book now.
6 gentle reader December 11, 2009 at 7:10 pm: Love this book, and loved the BBC movie version of it–really, really good!
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7 Suey December 12, 2009 at 12:06 pm: I remember this one being a little slower for me at the start, then got really going in the middle, and on. You do plan on finishing, right?
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8 Jessica December 14, 2009 at 3:49 pm: Nicole – I loved Grapes of Wrath. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.

Michele – Blogging deadlines always seem to creep up on me – with or without pregnancy – but I’ve been using the “P” card a lot lately.

Jodie – It does have a lot of social commentary on factories and working conditions and whatnot. I think you’d enjoy it.

Stephanie – I’ve heard it really picks up at the end. I hope you get to it soon.

Momof5boys – I’ve heard both BBC versions are excellent. I can’t wait to finish the book, so I can check out the movies!

gentle reader – Which BBC version did you watch?

Suey – I’m definitely finishing this one, especially since it is our January selection for book club. :)
9 Eva December 14, 2009 at 5:00 pm: I like the adaptation of North & South more than the adaptation of P&P! But for the books themselves, nothing can top Austen’s sparkling touch for me. I actually enjoyed Cranford way more than N&S. :)
Eva´s last blog ..A Smorgasbord of Spice of Life Reviews
10 Jessica December 16, 2009 at 1:19 pm: Eva – Whoa! I love the BBC P&P. Now I HAVE to watch N&S ASAP. I’m finally to the point in N&S – about half-way through – where I can hardly bear to put it down. But it was hard going there for a while. I agree that Austen’s prose is vastly superior. Perhaps I’ll like Cranford better.